Wyeth At Kuerners (Signed by Andrew Wyeth), with an Album of Original Photographs Referencing Paintings in the Book, Taken By Wyeth Close Friend and Occasional Driver, George Sipala
Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin, 1976. 1st Edition. 8vo. Near Fine / Very Good. Item #18027
An incredible piece of Andrew Wyeth history, SIGNED by Wyeth and from the collection of Wyeth close personal friend, neighbor, occasional driver, and confidant, George Sipala.
Along with the book is an album of 48 original photographs, with additional ephemera, referencing paintings in the book with the corresponding page numbers written in marker on each sleeve.
Wyeth has signed the book in pencil on page 45, underneath his 1970 painting, 'Evening at Kuerners'.
George Sipala and his wife Helen were close friends and neighbors of artist Andrew Wyeth for 20 years. The couple lived in Painter's Folly, a former home of illustrator Howard Pyle, a mentor to Wyeth's father. The house became a home away from home for Wyeth, who often painted it and the Sipalas.
Helen modeled for several of Wyeth's paintings, including Marriage (1993). She also wore a nun's habit for some of his works.
Wyeth included the Sipalas in many of his special events, such as art openings and a movie preview. He also invited them to spend summers with him in Maine.
Wyeth suggested that Helen keep a diary of their conversations, which she later turned into the book Beyond the Marriage Bed: My Years as Friend, Model and Confidante of Andrew Wyeth.
One of the photos in the album depicts an elderly Wyeth, from behind, walking outside in nature with his close friend and model, Helga Testorf.
Olive cloth with titling and illustration in silver foil. Square tight binding. Clean interior. Dust jacket with mild edge wear and just a touch of light foxing along some edges.
Overall, a Very Nice Association Copy Signed by Wyeth.
Price: $750.00